Jump Back, Paul

The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

Written by Sally Derby, Illustrated by Sean Qualls

I chose this book to review hoping for a book to recommend to our 3rd grade classes for their African-American biographies they do in February. Although the book is interesting to read as most biographies are, I found parts of the book difficult to read. His poems are written as he spoke: example, the word answered is written “ansawhd.” This was one of the easier words deciphered. I felt that the book would not be a good recommend for our third grade based on that alone.

Review by Kim Liston, Woodstock Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★✩✩✩ (2 stars)
Interest Level: 5th Grade and Up

Jump Back, Paul: The Life and Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
Written by Sally Derby, Illustrated by Sean Qualls
Candlewick Press
122 pages
Release Date: September 22, 2015